These materials explore the decisions that face the United States as a result of the changes in the past decade in the countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The background readings allow students to examine such questions of values and foreign policy as: (1) Should the United States remain committed to its Western European allies?; (2) How should we respond to conflict in the region?; and (3) What is the U.S. role in the world now that Soviet communism is no more? The student booklet provides a framework for considering such issues by presenting policy choices, or options, that lay out distinct viewpoints about what U.S. policy toward Europe should be. The background readings are to provide an understanding of how the history of the regions from World War I to the present has shaped the questions of today. The options for student discussion include: (1) "Promote Western Values"; (2) "Protect Our Interests"; (3) "Beyond Europe"; and (4) "Reduce Our Obligations." The accompanying teacher's resource book contains a 10-day plan and student activities. The first six days of the lesson plan are meant to reinforce key concepts raised in the student background readings. Days seven and eight feature a simulation in which students assume the roles of advocates for the four discussion options. The final two days of the lesson plan engage students in clarifying their own views on the United States' role in Europe, and ultimately, in developing their own proposals for the United States' European role. (EH)